ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt  extended upto 31.03.2023
Government announced creation of ‘Distressed Assets Fund- - Subordinate Debt for Stressed MSMEs’ on 13th May, 2020, under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package.
Accordingly, a scheme viz. ‘Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt’ was approved by the Government on 1st June, 2020 and the scheme was launched on 24th June, 2020 to provide credit facility through lending institutions to the promoters of stressed MSMEs viz. SMA-2 and NPA accounts who are eligible for restructuring as per RBI guidelines on the books of the Lending institutions. Initially the scheme was upto 31.03.2021.
In order to keep the avenues of assistance to stressed MSME Units open, the Government had earlier extended this scheme upto 31.03.2022.
Now, on the basis of the requests received from the stakeholders of the scheme, the Government has decided to further extend this scheme till 31.03.2023.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 200.21 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 6.16 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
2,00,21,66,975
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
6,16,38,660
More than 200.21 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 6.16 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
17 scheduled airlines operating in the country through 148 operational airports
DGCA issued 718 Air Operator Certificate 
VGF of Rs. 2454 crore released to selected Airline Operators under UDAN
As on 09.03.2023, there are 17 scheduled airlines operating in India. The number of the aircrafts endorsed by the DGCA  on the Air Operator Certificate  is 718.
Presently, there are 148 operational airports in the country, which includes 137 airports, 02 Water aerodromes and 09 Heliports. There were 96 operational Airports of the Airports Authority of India as on March, 2017.
VGF  amount of around Rs. 2454 crore has been released to Selected Airline Operators as on 07.03.2023 for the operation of UDAN flights across the country. The State-wise break-up of VGF given to airlines is as per Annexure.
ANNEXURE
Amount of VGF disbursed to Airlines  as on 07.03.2023
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Name of the State/UT
|
|
VGF Disbursed 
|
|
1
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
21.80
|
|
2
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
9.12
|
|
3
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
42.34
|
|
4
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
84.15
|
|
5
|
|
Odisha
|
|
150.53
|
|
6
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
38.81
|
|
7
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
126.41
|
|
8
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
570.36
|
|
9
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
243.54
|
|
10
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
149.83
|
|
11
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
23.14
|
|
12
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
282.22
|
|
13
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
63.76
|
|
14
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
36.10
|
|
15
|
|
Diu
|
|
1.49
|
|
16
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
82.57
|
|
17
|
|
Assam
|
|
51.57
|
|
18
|
|
Kerala
|
|
105.09
|
|
19
|
|
Haryana
|
|
0.66
|
|
20
|
|
Punjab
|
|
86.42
|
|
21
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
176.05
|
|
22
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
47.57
|
|
23
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
1.29
|
|
24
|
|
Tripura
|
|
12.90
|
|
25
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
3.93
|
|
26
|
|
Manipur
|
|
12.57
|
|
27
|
|
Bihar
|
|
10.15
|
|
28
|
|
Delhi
|
|
18.52
|
|
29
|
|
Telangana
|
|
1.40
|
|
Total
|
|
2454.29
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Nitin Gadkari Assumes Charge of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari took charge of the office of the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi today. He also holds the portfolio of the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Shri Gadkari was Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in the previous government.
Shri Gadkari is a member of Lok Sabha since May, 2014. He was earlier a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council during 1989-2014. He was Minister for PWD in Maharashtra Government during 1995 to 1999.
Ministry of Railways
Creation of infrastructure for freight at railway yards
With a view to develop freight terminals through private investment, Ministry of Railways has launched following schemes –
Private Siding – The private siding policy enables rail connectivity at party’s doorstep i.e. factory premises and raw material producing areas, and also connects manufacturing hubs with markets across the country.
Private Freight Terminal  Scheme – The scheme facilitates rapid development of a network of freight terminals with private investment to provide efficient and cost effective logistics services with warehousing solution to end users.
These schemes are aimed to increase the freight loading and revenue generation on Indian Railways. The growth in volume of traffic and revenue is dependent on factors like Originating-Destination station pairs, customer requirement, growth in the number of such terminals, transportation requirement in the prevailing economic conditions etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Promoting Organic Farming under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana 
Government of India has been implementing dedicated scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana  since 2015-16 to promote chemical free organic farming in the country in cluster mode. Under the programme, financial assistance of Rs 50000/ha/3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building, incentive for inputs, value addition and marketing. Out of it, Rs 31000/ ha / 3 years is provided for preparation / procurement of organic inputs such as bio/organic fertilisers, biopesticides, seeds etc. through DBT and Rs 8800/ ha/ 3 years is provided for value addition and marketing that includes post harvest management practices like storage. A total fund of Rs 1197.64 cr has been released to states and UTs for the last four years under the programme. Financial assistance of Rs 3000 /hectare for 3 years is provided for Cluster formation  and Capacity building including exposure visits, and trainings of field functionaries.
Fund Released for capacity building for last four years 
|
|
Year
|
|
Budget Estimate
|
|
Revised Estimate 
|
|
Release
|
|
2017-18
|
|
350.00
|
|
250.00
|
|
203.46
|
|
2018-19
|
|
360.00
|
|
335.91
|
|
329.46
|
|
2019-20
|
|
325.00
|
|
299.36
|
|
283.67
|
|
2020-21
|
|
500.00
|
|
350.00
|
|
381.05
|
|
Total
|
|
1535.00
|
|
1235.27
|
|
1197.64
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Rafting expedition “Mission Gange” to begin from October 5th
National Mission for Clean Ganga  has partnered with Tata Steel Adventure Foundation  to launch a month-long rafting expedition of a team of 40 members which will be led by the first Indian woman to scale Mount Everest Ms. Bachendri Pal. The expedition will start from Haridwar on October 5th 2018 traversing a distance of around 1500 km encompassing 8 major towns including Bijnor, Farrukhabad, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Buxar. It will conclude in Patna in Bihar on 30th October.
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari addressed the team through a video message. He said that Namami Gange is working hard for cleanliness of Ganga River. “Several projects like sewage infrastructure, ghat cleaning, river surface cleaning etc. are going on and are at various stages of completion. But, these efforts need to be supported by all of us. Hence, public participation is one of the key components of the Namami Gange programme and this expedition also will create awareness at the local level through Ganga Chaupals and other interactions the expedition team will have with the local inhabitants”, the Minister added.
Speaking on the occasion, DG, NMCG Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra said: “During the month-long expedition, the team will stop at all major locations and carry out cleaning drives in coordination with NMCG stakeholders like Ganga Vichar Manch, Ganga Praharis, District Ganga Committees, local voluntary organizations and people from all walks of life. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in schools to sensitize students towards Ganga cleaning. Events such as Ganga Chaupal will be conducted along the Ganga to create conversations between stakeholders.”
TSAF Chief and “Mission Gange” expedition leader Ms Bachendri Pal said: “Our expedition is inspired by Government of India’s Namami Gange mission, which has been a very important step towards cleaning the Ganges that has been a life-supporting river for millions in our country. The aim of our expedition is to reach out to as many people as possible, heighten the awareness around keeping this great river clean and make a people’s movement out of the Mission that had started four years ago.”
In the expedition team of 40 members, several are trained mountaineers. Seven of them have climbed Mount Everest. Besides, professionals from backgrounds as diverse as engineering, environmentalists, science etc. are part of the expedition team that is prepared to meet all challenges that they may encounter during the expedition. The team during its stay in the towns will carry out cleanliness drives at ghats and surrounding areas by engaging and motivating more and more people.
Ministry of Defence
PRIVATE PLAYERS IN DEFENCE MANUFACTURING
Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation in May, 2001. Since the opening up of Defence sector, a total of 584 Industrial Licenses have been issued to 358 companies for manufacturing of various defence items. The initial validity of the Industrial License granted under the Industries  Act has also been increased from 03 years to 15 years. Increase in validity of Industrial Licenses has provided sufficient time and space for companies to start operations and manufacture without hindrance.
Further, in order to give a push to domestic defence industry, the Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby expanding the production of indigenous defence equipment to strengthen our armed forces. These initiatives, inter-alia, include according priority to procurement of capital items from domestic sources under Defence Acquisition Procedure -2020; Announcement of 18 major defence platforms for industry led design & development in March 2022; Notification of three ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ of total 310 items of Services and two ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ of total 2958 items of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timelines indicated against them; Simplification of Industrial licensing process with longer validity period; Liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment policy allowing 74% FDI under automatic route; Simplification of Make Procedure; Launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence  scheme involving start-ups & Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ; Implementation of Public Procurement  Order 2017; Launch of an indigenization portal namely SRIJAN to facilitate indigenisation by Indian Industry including MSMEs; Reforms in Offset policy with thrust on attracting investment and Transfer of Technology for Defence manufacturing by assigning higher multipliers; and Establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; Opening up of Defence Research & Development  for industry, start-ups and academia with 25 per cent of defence R&D budget earmarked to promote development of defence technology in the country; Progressive increase in allocation of Defence Budget of military modernisation for procurement from domestic sources, etc.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Ms Debasree Chaudhuri in Lok Sabha today.
ABB/Savvy
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Prime Minister's Office
PM attends NITI Aayog’s interaction with economists and experts on “Economic Policy – The Road Ahead”
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended an interactive session with over 40 economists and other experts, organized by NITI Aayog, on the theme “Economic Policy – The Road Ahead.”
During the session, participants shared their views on various economic themes such as the macro-economy, agriculture and rural development, employment, health and education, manufacturing and exports, urban development, infrastructure and connectivity.
Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley thanked all the participants for their thought-provoking suggestions.
In his intervention, the Prime Minister thanked various participants for their suggestions and observations, on various aspects of the economy. In particular, he appreciated the quality of suggestions that had come from various subject experts.
The meeting was attended by several Union Ministers who look after economic subjects. The Vice Chairman NITI Aayog Shri Rajiv Kumar, and senior officers from the Union Government and NITI Aayog were also present.
Ministry of Textiles
Samarth Scheme
The Ministry of Textiles is implementing the Samarth-Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector, a placement oriented programme targeting skill development of 10 lakh youth in the entire value chain of textiles, excluding Spinning & Weaving in the organized Sector. Some of the advanced features of SAMARTH scheme include Training of Trainers , Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System , CCTV recording of training programme, dedicated call centre with helpline number, mobile app based Management Information System  and on-line monitoring of the training process.
Under Samarth, 18 State Governments have been allocated a training target of 3.6 lakh beneficiaries for conducting training programme in traditional and organized sectors. The States have entered into MoU with Ministry on 14.08.2019. Sectoral Organizations of Ministry (DC-Handlooms, DC-Handicrafts, CSB & National Jute Board have been allocated a training target of 43,000 beneficiaries for skilling/up-skilling in traditional sectors.
Further, Ministry initiated the process of empanelling industry/industry associations for undertaking industry oriented entry level skilling programmes in the organized sectors. A total of 76 industries have been empanelled under Entry level skilling and allocated a training target of 1.36 lakh beneficiaries. Also, 44 industries for upskilling programme have been empanelled and allocated training target of 30,000 beneficiaries.
With a view to improve the participation of MSME in the skilling programme, a separate RFP was floated to empanel industry associations working with MSME sector textile industries. Physical verification of training centres proposed 11 industry associations applied under this category has been commenced.
At present, 23 empanelled implementing partners have commenced the training programme under the scheme in 11 States.
The Government had approved the Samarth Scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 1300 crore. The detail of total fund allocated, utilized year-wise is as given below:

|
|
Financial Year
|
|
Fund Allocation
|
|
Fund Utilization
|
|
2017-18
|
|
100.00
|
|
100.00
|
|
2018-19
|
|
42.00
|
|
16.99
|
|
2019-20
|
|
102.10
|
|
72.06
|
|
2020-21
|
|
150.00
|
|
11.37|
|
Total
|
|
394.10
|
|
200.42Training programme affected during COVID-19 pandemic due to local lockdown conditions in most States
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Enhancing Urban Mobility: India's Metro Rail Transformation
The swift urbanization and growing population densities in Indian cities have presented numerous challenges, such as significant traffic congestion and environmental pollution. However, the metro rail system has emerged as a promising solution for countless urban residents, providing them with a dependable, efficient, and environmentally conscious means of travel. Prior to 2014, a mere five cities in India boasted a modest 229 kilometres of metro rail networks. As of April 2023, a staggering 860 kilometres of metro lines are operational across 20 cities. Moreover, the pace of progress has soared, as the country witnessed a remarkable shift from a monthly average of 0.68 kilometres of commissioned metro lines before May 2014 to an impressive 5.6 kilometres per month .
To address the imperative for an extensive metro network across India, the Metro Rail Policy was instituted in 2017, serving as a blueprint for the nationwide expansion and modernization of metro networks. The emphasis on domestic manufacturing of metro coaches under the "Make in India" initiative has also yielded manifold advantages. Not only has it bolstered the domestic manufacturing sector, but it has also fostered self-reliance and diminished the country's dependence on foreign imports.
Further Reading:
· Metro Rail – India’s Solution for Clean Urban Mobility
· Metro rail sector
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Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan participates in the India Ideas Summit organised by US-India Business Council
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan called for strengthening collaborations in academics, research and skill development
Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today participated in the India Ideas Summit organised by the U.S-India Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce, International Affairs, South Asia. The theme of the event was “Maximising the Next 75 years of U.S. – India Prosperity.” CEOs and top management of American companies were present at the occasion.
Speaking about India-US relations, Shri Pradhan said that India and the US have similar societies and shared values. Education and Skill development are important pillars of Indo-US relations, he further added. He called for greater academic collaboration between higher education institutions in both the countries for offering twinning, joint degrees and dual degree programs. He also called for strengthening collaboration in the areas of research and skill development
While interacting with the captains of industry, Shri Pradhan outlined India’s vision in the education and skill development sector. Speaking about the National Education Policy 2020, he elaborated its role in empowering 21st century learners and building a vibrant, future-ready workforce.
Speaking about NEP’s focus on internationalization of education, Minister Pradhan called upon American institutions and companies to partner with India in rapidly-transforming education and skilling landscape. A growing digital economy, aspirational population, a knowledge-based society and policy reforms are creating unprecedented opportunities in India, he further added.
Speaking about skilling, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is taking great efforts in skilling, re-skilling and up skilling its youth. India has a large, young and educated population who are an asset to any industry globally if they are provided focussed training and capacity building as per industry requirement, he further added. He also said that India is positioned favourably mainly due to its demographic advantage and various skilling initiatives.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and performed foundation stone laying ceremonyof six projects worth Rs 3,840 Cr in Goa
Appeals to establish Goa as a world class pollution free state
Green Hydrogen is future fuel and the Goa government should emphasize on its use: Gadkari appealed
Mumbai/Panaji, 3 January 2022
Union Road transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has expressed pleasure for getting an opportunity to be part of the development of Goa and make it a rich and prosperous state. He was speaking after inaugurating and performing foundation stone laying ceremony of six projects worth Rs 3,840 Cr in Goa. He expressed pleasure that the government had spent more than Rs 22,000 Cr on development of Goa when the demand from state was for Rs 15,000 Cr.He inaugurated and performed fundation stone laying ceremony of projects like Rs 546 Cr connecting Port to Highway, Varnapuri to Sada Junction, Mate MPT Gate 1 Loop Road, Margaon West Bypass to decongest arterial roads of Margaon.
He said that the quality of work at all the projects in Goa is excellent. Speaking about the Watch Towers on Zuari Bridge, today, he said, the bridge is an excellent example of use of modern technology.
Nitin Gadkari also recalled former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and his tireless efforts to give a modern look to Goa. Hon’ble Minister expressed his firm belief that by reducing air, water and noise pollution in Goa, Goa could be transformed into a world standerd pollution free state.
“Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future and we are constantly striving to promote its use," he said. He further said that efforts were being made to set up green hydrogen projects using electricity generated from solar and wind power projects.
Expressing satisfaction over the fact that all kinds of industries are coming up in Goa and good quality medical facilities are being created, Gadkari emphasised that high quality projects are the wealth of the nation.
Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shripad Yasho Naik, Rajya Sabha Member Vinay Tendulkar and many other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Today Mr Gadkari inaugurated the following projects:
- Four laning of Patradevi to Karaswada 18 km stretch of National Highway No 66.
- Four laning of Karaswada to Bamboli 13 km stretch of National Highway No 66.
- Loop 1 Road connecting Goa port.
- Margaon West Bypass
Gadkari performed Bhoomipujan of following three projects:
- Construction of National Highway No 1665 connecting Mopa Airport.
- Construction of Watch Towers on Zuari River Bridge.
- Six different road projects under Central Infrastructure Convenience FundJaydevi PS/R.Aghor/D.Rane
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Special Service and Features
MoU Signed between HUDCO and MoHUA
HUDCO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  for setting key targets for the financial year 2022-23. The MoU was signed between Sh.Manoj Joshi, Secretary, MoHUA and Sh. Kamran Rizvi, Chairman and Managing Director,HUDCO in the presence of Sh. Surendra Kumar Bagde, Additional Secretary of MoHUA, Sh. M.Nagaraj, Director and Sh. D. Guhan, Director HUDCO.
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